Chapter 2: The Garden
I had just finished my history lesson for the day and went out for a walk with Naomie to clear my mind. I still couldn't forget what Professor Jacob had told me about the universe's history—it was honestly fascinating. If memory is power, then I should definitely visit the Mnemonic Library of the manor to learn more. My family is one of the Guardians of Memory. They record the living memory of each person... Maybe I'll find something about the one called Rabby.
I was so lost in thought that I barely noticed we'd already arrived in the Garden of Memory. My father once told me this garden held treasures from the memories of our ancestors, but only the worthy could access them. It was beautiful—lush greenery, ancient statues, and even dragons carved from Oriam crystal.
As I wandered, something caught my eye. A ring. But not just any ring—a mnemonic ring. It allows the wearer to manipulate memories, alter them, materialize anything they've seen at least once... but most importantly, it lets you access the memories of the former owner. I leaned in closer.
The name engraved on it? Rabby.
From Naomie's POV:
I watched the young master strolling in the garden, eyes distant. Suddenly, he stopped as if he'd found something important. I saw him pick up a ring and slip it onto his finger. He touched his head and froze. Alarmed, I ran toward him.
From Ishaël's POV:
I couldn't help it. I put on the ring.
And instantly, unfamiliar memories began to flood into my head. I didn't know these places, these names, these battles. My knees buckled. The last thing I saw before passing out was Naomie sprinting toward me.
From Naomie's POV:
I caught the young master just in time, right before he hit the ground. His state wasn't too alarming—a mild memory-energy overload in the brain. He's still a child, after all. His body isn't ready to absorb such dense mnemonic waves. I carried him carefully and called for the guards to watch over him while I informed the Duchess.
From Duchess Annabelle's POV:
I felt it.
My son's mnemonic energy suddenly fluctuated. I widened my perception to pinpoint the cause. All I saw... was a mnemonic ring. It had to be the source. I trust Naomie; she's the most skilled assassin of the Matha Duchy and my son's personal guardian. From my window, I saw her carrying him back.
Toc toc.
"Enter."
"Forgive me for disturbing you, Duchess. The young master fainted. He'll wake up in one or two hours."
"Very well. You may go."
From Naomie's POV:
I left her chambers. As expected, she was already aware. She's the Duchess Annabelle—second only to the Empress herself. On the battlefield, they call her the Angel of Death. I should prepare the young master's attire for tonight's banquet at the Imperial Capital. I have a feeling... today's going to be long.
From Ishaël's subconscious:
Where am I?
"You're in your subconscious."
The voice belonged to... me. Or rather, someone who looked like me.
"You're probably wondering why you're here. The truth is... we're the same person. I'm you. From another world. A world where I'm already dead."
"What...?"
"There was no Oriam in my world. No Omega Singularity. But 10,000 years ago, both our worlds were the same. Shared culture, shared history. Until your world awakened universal energy—Oriam. Then came the rifts. What you now call cosmic breaches."
"How do you know all this?"
"Because I reincarnated... into the world of the very novel I used to read. In that story, the strongest man in all of humanity was the protagonist: Archduke Eren Vorn Matha. The only human to reach the Ashgardian Omniversal level."
"Of course I know him. He's my grandfather—the one who helped raise our nation to imperial status. My history teacher said our country suffered under Western manipulation and Eastern economic domination for centuries."
"Exactly. Pre-Singularity, Africa was exploited—first by Arab conquests in the Maghreb, then by European colonization. Even post-independence, the borders were drawn by outsiders. They imposed religion, democracy... all to control us."
"That explains why the elders distrust the French Stellar Federation and the Martian American Union."
"Right. Even back on Earth, nothing had changed."
"So our Kongo-Mnemonia Empire really did unite Africa?"
"Yes. After your grandfather vanished, the unification finally happened. And now your nation focuses on memory laws... But it's time."
"Time for what?"
"To fuse."
"What'll happen if we fuse?"
"We'll become one. You'll gain all my memories from my previous life, and I'll give you insight into cosmic power levels. But some memories must be sealed for now. If we reveal too much, the Law of Causality might backlash."
"So I'll forget some things again?"
"Temporarily. When you're ready, they'll unlock. I'll remain inside you. Just call me—Rabby—and I'll answer."
I woke up with a jolt. 3:00 PM. The banquet starts at 6:00. I should leave by 5:30.
Toc toc.
"Young master, are you awake? May I come in?"
"Yes, enter."
"Forgive me, young master. I failed to protect you."
"It's nothing, Naomie. Just a memory overload."
"Thank you for your kindness."
She scanned me discreetly. I could feel her eyes like X-rays. A bit embarrassing, honestly.
"Time to prepare for the banquet. Everything is ready."
"Thanks, Naomie."
"Just doing my duty."
I went to take my second bath of the day. I just regained my past-life memories and now I have to attend a noble banquet? Seriously? I stopped in front of the mirror. I'm about 1.68 meters tall—not bad for 13. Braided hair, dark eyes, brown skin... Yeah. I'm pretty handsome.
Naomie's POV:
The young master walked toward the bath looking so down. He's never liked these events. I'll wait here to help him dress.
Ishaël's POV:
After the bath, Naomie helped me dress. White shirt, white pants, white coat with the Matha emblem in gold. I looked... pretty good.
Naomie's POV:
He looks amazing. Truly worthy of House Matha.
Ishaël:
"Alright, let's go. We should arrive early."
"Yes, young master. I've already informed the Duchess."
"Thanks. By the way, are you coming as a bodyguard or a servant?"
"As your servant. But I'll ensure your safety."
We headed to the manor gate. The sky was darkening, the stars peeking through. We passed the checkpoint and stood before a glowing wormhole portal.
We stepped in.
When I opened my eyes... I was in the Imperial Capital. Flying cars, floating buses, Oriam-metal towers scraping the stars. I'd never seen it all from this perspective—not until I remembered my past.
Naomie's POV:
He looked so amazed. Adorable.
"Young master, the car's here. You can admire the city later."
I snapped out of it and got into the car with Naomie. Through the window, I saw Oriam buildings everywhere. Then... the palace. A castle the size of a city, glowing with crystal light.
We approached the gates. The guards saw the Matha insignia and let us through.
The banquet hall opened before us.
I scanned the crowd.
Then, I saw her. A girl my age walking toward me. My childhood friend in this life. A daughter of House Kalonda, masters of technology.
Her name is Yuri Art Kalonda.
To be continued...